Page 79 of One Impossible Moment
Staring at the empty road, he stood for a long moment, feeling the weight of his future pressing down on him.
Soon, when the veil opened again, it would all be over.
He wouldn't have Everstill.
And he wouldn't have Kallie.
He would disappear like the others who failed to escape.The thought hollowed him out.
Kallie would be gone—back to her world, where she would be safe, where she would thrive, where she would live a life untouched by the rift's hunger.She deserved that.She deserved everything.
All those plans she was making for him would be for her.She'd go on with her life.
At least away from Everstill, away from the shadow seam, she would live.
And, heartbroken would be better than numbness.
Better than the emptiness Everstill carved into its men.
He knew with absolute certainty that if he convinced her to stay, Everstill would steal the very heart of her.
And he would rather lose her than watch that happen.
Finn wandered to the restaurant and opened the door.The bell gave a half-hearted jingle announcing his arrival.Copper wasn't in the dining room, but Finn knew where to find him.He walked through the swinging kitchen door and found Copper standing at the counter, wiping down a knife.
Copper didn't look up."You're wandering again."
Finn leaned against the metal prep table and crossed his arms."Just needed air."
"Air won't help you against something bigger than us all."Copper set the knife down.
Finn's jaw tightened."What's that supposed to mean?"
Copper finally met his gaze."The rift isn't done with you.The last time it attacked was only the beginning."
The cold hand of fear closed around his throat."What will happen next?"
He had to protect Kallie.If he could plan ahead, he stood a chance.
Copper hesitated."It will try to take her again.And if it can't...it'll take you."
Finn's breath caught."I'll never let it take her."
"You have to be ready, because it'll try."Copper said."And you know it."
Finn looked away and clenched his jaw so tight it hurt.He'd felt the pull in the storm, the way the glitch had reached for Kallie.
Copper stepped closer."You have to get her back through the veil."
Finn's head snapped up."No."
"Yes," Copper said firmly."It's the only way she survives this."
Finn shook his head, anger rising in his chest."She wants me to go with her."
Copper's expression darkened."Then she doesn't understand what will happen to you."
Finn stiffened."I haven't told her about the others.She doesn't know."
